displacement, which would make actual full displacement around 12-13,000 tons.I envision the PLAN eventually fielding a 3-tiered escort force for its carriers consisting of:
1) Type 054B FFG
Displacement: 5,000 tons full
Armament: 32 CCL VLS cells; 32 quad-packed DK-10 MRSAM's in 8 cells, 8 CY-5 ASW missiles, and 16 YJ-18/CJ-10/HHQ-9
An upgrade of the Type 054A with the new universal VLS, with somewhat higher displacement to accommodate the larger cell modules. This class would provide medium range (local) air defense, in the same manner that the JMSDF Akizuki class DDG provides local air defense for the Kongos and Atagos with its ESSM's; it would be able to handle high volume saturation attacks with a 4-panel X-band AESA. It would also be responsible for primary ASW with VDS, TAS and ASW helos.
2) Type 052D DDG
Displacement: 7,000 tons full
Armament: 64 CCL VLS cells; 48 HHQ-9's and 16 YJ-18/CJ-10/CY-5/DK-10
This ship's primary role is long range (fleet) air defense, but can supplement ASuW and ASW as needed.
3) Type 055 "DDG" (CG)
Displacement: 12-13,000 tons full
Armament: 128 CCL VLS cells for DK-10, HHQ-9, YJ-18, CJ-10, HHQ-19/26, and CY-5
This ship's primary role is long range (fleet) air defense, with secondary ASuW and ASW roles. It would also provide additional capabilities such as land attack and ABM defense. It would also have the extra facilities (flag bridge, offices, and berthing) needed to serve as a command ship.
Type 054A's, Type 052C's and the semi-modern PLAN ships would be left to escort other capital ships such as LPD/LHD task forces and help fulfill lower intensity missions.
A typical PLAN CVBG escort force would consist of 1 055, 2-3 052D's, and 4 054B's:
Outer screen: 1 Type 055, 1 Type 052D, 2 Type 054B (1 tasked with ASW, 1 for local air defense of the others in the screen)
Inner screen: 1-2 Type 052D, 2 Type 054B (1 tasked with ASW, 1 for local air defense of the others in the screen and the carrier)
